Visual Vertigo and restarting practice

Visual Vertigo and restarting practice2012-11-04T10:39:14+00:00
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  • Cyffiwr
    Participant
    Post count: 2

    Hello – I apologise if this is a bit long but I’m hoping someone can give me some advice 🙂
    I bought the Masterclass programme a few years ago as I live in a rural area and there are no classes near me. I was getting on really well with it until I broke a small bone in my foot. After a few weeks, I returned to practice, and then developed a sudden onset of vertigo. Initially, I was diagnosed with Labyrinthitis but the condition worsened to the point where I had to used 2 walking poles to help me stay upright. After investigations, I was diagnosed with Visual Vertigo – my brain uses vision preferentially for postural and space orientation control (that is, I need to see to know where I am in space!). I have done a programme of vestibular rehabilitation exercises and been told by my ENT specialist to challenge any movement or situation that induces vertigo. I am much improved – though it has taken a couple of years, and my poor body is desperate for me to start exercising! I walk but any fast moving exercise such as badminton is still too much for me.
    So (finally, I get to the question!)I was wondering if you would advise me to start with floor postures only or to take one posture at a time until I get comfortable doing each one? I have attempted Sun Salutation but fall over most times on the forward bend, although I am fine with all other movements.
    Many thanks for your time 🙂 Sarah

    Sara V
    Participant
    Post count: 19

    Hi Sarah – I am a graduate of Gabrielle’s Teacher Training in 2011. Sorry to hear of your trials and tribulations and yet so happy to hear that you are getting started with yoga again! Yoga helps a great deal with body proprioception. As far as starting with the floor postures or taking one at time: I recommend that you start with a warm up that isn’t too challenging but gets the body and mind connected. How do you feel in the back bend after half moon? Instead of forward bending after backbend all the way with hands beneath the feet, would you be willing to try rag doll just folding forward gently hooking onto your elbows and let me know how that feels? I’m also wondering if toe heeling your feet hip distance apart before rag doll would give you a more solid feeling base?
    To give you a more general answer I think it’s your yoga practice so finding a combination of whichever poses suit you and possibly just following a guideline of warm up, balancing series, warriors, savansana, belly down, spine strengthening and then class integration. Challenge yourself at the points when you feel most ready. Let me know your thoughts!

    Namatse,

    Sara

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